What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree?

Answer

put very simply a bachelor degree takes on average 4 years to complete and a masters 6 years.

Answer

A bachelors degree is generally 4 or 5 years traditionally. It is awarded when the student has completed the necessary course-work to satisfy the requirements of the degree being pursued. Some math and science degrees for example have more requirements and usually take a little longer to get a bachelors. An individual can enter into graduate school after completing the course work for a bachelors degree provided that he has met the requirements of the college and has been accepted by the department. A masters degree can be 2 or more years of additional study, often with a thesis paper and oral exams at the end. Again, it all depends on the college.

But note

In some foreign countries the length of courses is different. In England and Wales a bachelor's degree usually takes three years and most master's degrees a further year. A bachelor's degree is more specialized than in America.

Scotland ceased to award bachelor's degrees about three centuries ago, and all their first-level degrees are called master's degrees. A Scottish master's course takes four years, but it is customary to start it age 17. Within the UK it is reckoned as equivalent to an English or Welsh bachelor's degree.

Note that students from outside the European Union have to pay the full cost of their tuition, which is very high indeed.

Answer

A BA or BS is considered an undergraduate degree.

A Masters is considered an advanced degree and generally takes an additional year or more of study to obtain, depending on the required credits for the chosen major.

First answer by Robin1. Last edit by Joncey. Contributor trust: 1987 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 63 [recommend question]